Police appeal for Celtic fan who 'assaulted' Milan keeper to turn himself in

Last updated at 13:04 04 October 2007

A football fan who invaded the pitch and confronted a player at a Champions League match was today urged to turn himself in by police.

The supporter rushed from the stand seconds after a last-minute winner by Celtic against Italian side AC Milan in Glasgow last night.

His actions have threatened to overshadow the Glasgow club's victory over the European champions and could result in a severe penalty from the football authorities.

The fan ran across the Parkhead pitch into the path of Milan goalkeeper Nelson Dida.

As he crossed the goalmouth, he stuck out his arm and there appeared to be slight contact with the player.

The Brazilian goalkeeper briefly chased after the fan but then collapsed theatrically to the ground.

After a delay, he was taken off on a stretcher with an icepack held to his face.

The supporter carried on running off the pitch after the confrontation, and is believed to have disappeared back into the crowd.

Strathclyde Police said they have yet to trace the culprit despite "extensive inquiries".

Police match commander superintendent Gillian McLeod, based at London Road police station, said: "Strathclyde Police is currently working very closely with Celtic Football Club with a view to identifying this male.

"Both Strathclyde Police and Celtic Football Club will certainly not tolerate this type of behaviour from any spectator."

She added: "I would like to personally appeal to the man responsible or anyone who knows of him, to contact London Road police office."

European football chiefs at UEFA said they would decide what action to take after receiving reports from match officials.

But Celtic could face severe penalties from the football authorities as a result.

UEFA spokesman William Gaillard said today: "One of our prosecutors will look at the document and decide whether to open an investigation."

"If he opens an investigation it will be a week or two before the disciplinary body deals with the case.

"I don't want to presume anything. There is a whole range of possible punishments but of course there are precedents for the same kind of incidents."

Celtic also said they would carry out a full investigation into the incident.

The Scottish champions beat AC Milan 2-1.

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Police appeal for Celtic fan who 'assaulted' Milan keeper to turn himself in